Decode any VIN number instantly. Get comprehensive vehicle history, PPSR check, stolen car verification & market valuation from $34.99
A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code that identifies every vehicle manufactured. Think of it as your car's fingerprint - no two vehicles share the same VIN.
Our VIN check decodes this number to reveal the vehicle's complete history, including make, model, year, manufacturing details, PPSR finance check, stolen status, and write-off history.
Our comprehensive VIN check reveals everything about the vehicle
Type in the 17-character VIN found on the dashboard, door jamb, or registration papers.
We decode the VIN and search PPSR database, stolen vehicle records, and write-off history.
Receive complete VIN decode report with vehicle specs and history via email in 60 seconds.
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Every VIN tells a story - if you know how to read it. Here's the complete breakdown of what each character means and how to spot fake or altered VINs:
Toyota RAV4, 2023 model, built in Australia, Serial #000001
Position 1: Country of Origin
Position 2: Manufacturer
Position 3: Vehicle Type or Division
Varies by manufacturer - passenger car, truck, SUV, or manufacturing division
Position 4: Safety Features / GVW
Airbags, seatbelts, or Gross Vehicle Weight (manufacturer specific)
Position 5: Vehicle Series / Platform
Sedan, SUV, wagon, coupe, convertible
Position 6: Model / Trim Level
Example: Toyota RAV4 GX vs GXL vs Cruiser
Position 7: Body Type
2-door, 4-door, hatchback, wagon, ute, etc.
Position 8: Engine Type
Engine size, fuel type (petrol/diesel), cylinders
Position 9 is a calculated check digit (0-9 or X) that validates the entire VIN. If someone alters even ONE character in positions 1-8 or 10-17, the check digit won't match.
How It's Calculated:
🚨 Fraud Detection:
If the check digit doesn't match our calculation, the VIN has been altered. This catches 90% of amateur VIN alterations. Professional fraudsters know this, so always verify Position 9 against the mathematical formula.
Position 10: Model Year
Note: Letters I, O, Q, U, Z are never used. Cycles every 30 years.
Position 11: Assembly Plant
Specific factory where vehicle was built (manufacturer-specific codes)
Positions 12-17: Serial Number
Unique 6-digit sequential production number. Usually starts at 000001 for each model/year.
How it works: Stolen vehicle's VIN plate is replaced with a clean VIN plate from a written-off vehicle of same make/model/year.
Red Flags to Check:
Real Case: Melbourne luxury car theft ring stole 47 vehicles (avg $85K each), cloned VINs from insurance write-offs, sold to unsuspecting buyers. Total: $3.9M scam. Buyers lost everything.
How it works: Single characters changed to make stolen VIN match a clean vehicle. Example: 3 altered to 8, B to 8, G to 6.
How to Spot It:
Pro Tip: Run VIN through our check digit validator. If it fails, VIN has been altered.
How it works: Japanese import given fake Australian compliance plate with invented VIN that doesn't match actual chassis number.
Warning Signs:
Consequence: Vehicle can be deemed unroadworthy and de-registered. Cannot be legally sold. Total loss.
🔍 Primary Locations:
🔧 Hidden Locations (Fraud Check):
Verification Rule: ALL locations must match exactly. If even ONE doesn't match, walk away. Vehicle is compromised.
Get complete vehicle history, PPSR check, and VIN decode in 60 seconds. Don't buy without checking.